(2iz) Catalytic Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis of Waste Plastics for Circular Economy Development

My current research focuses on utilizing zeolite catalysts to convert plastic waste into valuable products. I aim to understand the reaction pathways and transport limitations involved in this process, particularly how plastic chains diffuse into zeolite channels and undergo cracking on acid sites. It would be helpful to fine-tune the product distribution and improve catalyst activity and lifetime. Additionally, I am exploring the conversion of non-condensable gases from plastic waste pyrolysis into green hydrogen and graphene materials using Ni/Cu foams as catalysts. By implementing this approach, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with plastic waste conversion and enhance the economic viability of plastic-to-fuels and chemicals technologies.

In the future, I will focus on the following research areas: (1) Reactor optimization: Heat and mass transfer limitation for the microwave-assisted pyrolysis and structured catalytic reactor will be evaluated by establishing accurate kinetic models, which allow to successfully simulate the real temperature and product distributions, to better describe the three-phase nature during pyrolysis. (2) Catalysis: Considering that the pore size of conventional ZSM-5 catalyst is too small for plastic/biomass pyrolysis intermediates entering into the pore system, which will limit the diffusion of intermediates and block the pore opening and result in the fast deactivation of catalyst, the nano-sized ordered macro-meso-microporous zeolites will be developed to improve the catalyst lifetime. (3) Plasma catalysis for nitrogen fixation: I will expand my research into developing a portable and low-cost catalytic non-thermal plasma system for nitrogen fixation. This system will allow individual farmers to produce nitrogen fertilizer on-site from air and water using renewable energy. The project aims to reduce energy imports, improve agricultural production, and promote local production of fertilizer from renewable sources.

Teaching Interests:

The courses I would like to teach are in catalytic conversion of biomass/plastic or other renewable/low carbon energy technologies. I will provide fundamentals of and yet in-depth discussion on the current and emerging technologies for solid waste conversion and renewable energy production and application. In this course, students will be introduced to the environmental implications of biomass/plastic utilization for fuels, chemicals, and materials within the context of the chemical principles underlying the structure, properties, processing and performance of materials and the chemical composition of materials. Typical as well as specific chemical reactions during the conversion of biomass/plastic to industrial products will be discussed. It will also focus on energy conversion technologies and their efficiency. Advantages and limitations of each type of conversion process and current and probable future developments in technologies will be addressed. Impact of solid waste conversion and renewable energy on environment, economy, society, policy, and sustainable development will also be discussed. Students will learn the basic principles and quantitative analysis of various solid waste conversion technologies, such as torrefaction, hydrothermal liquefaction, hydrogenolysis, pyrolysis, and gasification, current and future developments in conversion technologies, policy, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle analysis.